Mr. MIM Abdul Cader was the inaugural principal of Zahira College Kalmunai. Serving from 16.11.1949 to 23.07.1950, he dedicated his efforts to the school's early development, setting up the initial infrastructure and academic standards.

Mr. MM Ibrahim served as principal from 24.07.1950 to 06.08.1950. His brief tenure played a crucial role in bridging the gap between leaders and ensuring the school's continued growth.

Mr. R. Ponnappa was the principal from 07.08.1950 to 31.12.1950. His time in office helped further the development of the school and turned the English School into a beacon of hope for the Kalmunai area.

Mr. MIM Meera Lebbe, former Director of English Education, served as the principal of from 01.01.1951 to 31.12.1956. During his leadership, the college began to excel in both physical infrastructure and co-curricular activities, achieving numerous accolades in the fields of art, literature, music, and sports. It was during this time that Tamil students also started attending the school.

Mr. KL Sinna Lebbe, former District Education Director, served as the principal from 01.01.1957 to 14.02.1960. The first permanent building was constructed under his leadership, and the school also saw the establishment of sports competitions, the Scout movement, and a mosque within the college premises.

Mr. AM Majeed, former Director of Education, served as the principal from 15.02.1960 to 20.06.1961. During his tenure, English education continued to thrive, and efforts were made to establish a G.O.D. Normal Science College, Technical College, Trade Hall, and a Principal's Hostel.

Mr. MM Ibrahim was the principal from 21.06.1961 to 31.12.1961. His brief tenure was marked by a period of transition, focusing on maintaining stability and ensuring continuity in the school’s administration.

Mr. VGN Shariffdeen served as the principal from 01.01.1962 to 31.12.1962. His year-long tenure was dedicated to guiding the school through a period of growth and ensuring the continuation of academic and administrative standards.

Mr. JM Abdul Cader served as the principal from 01.01.1963 to 30.03.1964. His leadership during this period significantly contributed to the college's growth across various domains.

Mr. KM Aboobucker served as the principal from 01.04.1964 to 15.10.1966. The period under his leadership is often referred to as the golden age of the college. A native of Mannar, he made a memorable impact, establishing the college hostel and launching a high-quality arts department.

Mr. SHM Jameel, former Secretary to the Minister of Muslim Culture and Cultural Affairs, served as the principal from 16.10.1966 to 31.01.1971 and worked to gain national recognition for the college. It was during his time that the college was renamed Zahira College Kalmunai and became known as Saindamarudu Sireshta School. In 1969, three students from this college were selected for Peradeniya University, marking a significant milestone as many women also began attending university.

Mr. MI Junaideen served as the principal from 17.08.1971 to 03.03.1972. His brief tenure was focused on maintaining the school's educational standards and ensuring a smooth transition during a period of change.

Mr. ARA Azeez served as the principal from 04.03.1972 to 30.10.1972. His tenure was focused on upholding the school’s academic integrity and navigating administrative challenges during his time in office.

Mr. KL Aboobucker Lebbe served as the principal from 01.11.1972 to 03.03.1975. His leadership was marked by efforts to enhance the school's academic programs and infrastructure, contributing significantly to its development during his tenure.

Mr. SHM Jameel served as the principal from 04.03.1975 to 25.10.1979. His leadership continued to enhance the school's reputation and infrastructure, with significant developments such as the construction of the conference hall, a three-storied building, and the introduction of the area head system.

Mr. MMM Ibrahim served as the principal from 26.10.1979 to 31.01.1985. During his tenure, the college saw massive physical development, including the establishment of a three-storied science faculty and classroom building. The period also witnessed academic excellence, with students achieving outstanding results, particularly in the fields of medicine and engineering.

Mr. MC Athambawa served as the principal from 01.02.1985 to 15.10.1989. His tenure marked a significant milestone in the school's history. He was the first alumnus to become the principal, and during his tenure, the college's academic performance reached new heights. A student named Sadiq scored As in all subjects in OLs, and new facilities, such as a three-storied science faculty and classroom building, were inaugurated.

Mr. AM Hussain served as the principal from 16.10.1989 to 21.04.1999. Under his leadership, the college continued to thrive, with the construction of new classroom buildings and a modern hostel building. In 1993, the college was upgraded to the status of a national school, a testament to its growing reputation.

Mr. MM Ismail served as the principal from 22.04.1999 to 20.05.1999. His leadership saw continued efforts to uplift the college. During his tenure, the college's cricket team achieved national recognition, with two students selected for the All Sri Lanka school cricket team.

Mr. Al-Haj AM Musthapha served as the principal of Zahira College Kalmunai from 21.05.1999 to 24.11.1999. His short-term leadership was focused on maintaining the school's educational standards and ensuring a smooth transition during his tenure.

Mr. A Peer Mohamed served as the principal of Zahira College Kalmunai from 25.11.1999 to 24.08.2000. His tenure was marked by efforts to uphold academic excellence and manage the school’s daily operations effectively during his time in office.

Al-Haj AM Musthapha served as the principal of Zahira College Kalmunai from 25.08.2000 to 17.01.2006. His extended tenure was characterized by significant improvements in academic programs, infrastructure, and overall school management, leading to notable advancements in the institution’s development.

Mrs. SHMMA Carder served as the principal from 18.01.2006 to 07.07.2010. During this period, the college undertook massive development efforts, especially in rebuilding after the 2004 Tsunami disaster. The school grounds, hostel, classrooms, science laboratories, and other facilities were restored with the help of the School Development Association, alumni, and well-wishers.

Al-Haj MM Ismail served as the principal from 08.07.2010 to 27.05.2012. His leadership focused on the school's educational and physical development. The mosque building was renovated during this period, with a marble floor added.

Al-Haj MSM Hamza served as the principal of Zahira College-Kalmunai on 28.05.2012. His tenure was brief but focused on ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining the continuity of the school's administration.

Mr. A Athambawa served as the principal from 29.05.2012 to 31.12.2013. During his tenure, the school continued to progress in various fields, establishing close ties with the School Development Association and the alumni association. Zahira College Kalmunai was included in the 'Thousand Schools Development Scheme' with the support of regional politicians.

Mr. PMM Bathurudeen served as principal from 01.01.2014 to 03.04.2017. During his tenure, the school saw significant improvements in education and co-curricular activities, as well as the construction of a technical laboratory under the Thousand Schools Development Project.

Mr. MS Mohamed served as principal from 04.04.2017 to 02.11.2018. Under his leadership, the school experienced new developments in both education and physical infrastructure, including the construction of a principal and teacher dormitory building and the installation of CCTV and fingerprint scanners.

Since taking office in 2018, Principal M.I. Jabir has focused on modernizing Zahira College Kalmunai while maintaining its strong academic traditions. Under his leadership, the school has achieved significant improvements in both infrastructure and educational quality, reinforcing its reputation as a leading institution in Sri Lanka. His commitment to excellence continues to drive the school forward.